I was married for the first time in 2007 at age 51, to a
wonderful man. His father, Norman,
walked me down the aisle that day, since my father had died many years
before. As I got to know Norman, I was
intrigued by the story of his mother, Eliza Jane Carriveau Mosey, who had died tragically
when Norman was five. Norman had only
one picture of her—her wedding picture—and knew very little about her, since
his father had remained a stoic and grieving widower for the rest of his life.
I had been a genealogy buff for a long time by then. So Norman and I began looking at his ancestry, trying to find out more about his mother and her family. We spent many happy hours around his kitchen table that first year, poring over documents and talking and taking notes. Slowly the story of the Carriveaus started coming together.
I also wanted to record Norman’s own life story. So shortly after Veteran’s Day 2008 I phoned him and said, “When I am in Michigan on Thanksgiving weekend, let’s talk about your time in the Navy during WWII.” He happily consented.
Little did I know that this would be the last time I ever talked
to him... On the day before Thanksgiving
in 2008, he was out on his beloved John Deere tractor, plowing snow out of his
driveway, when a van flew over the hill and hit him. He was thrown to the ground, breaking more
bones than any doctor could count. His
tractor was left in two big pieces on the road.
The doctors kept him alive until we could rush to Michigan to say
goodbye, and then he was gone.
Later that weekend, when we returned to Norman’s home before
the funeral, there on a table in the living room was a neat pile of pictures
and documents—the things that Norman had gathered together to share with me
about his time in the Navy. I did write
up the history of his time in the Navy, but I had to do it without him; perhaps
I’ll share it another day.
I was never able to find any more photos of Norman’s mother
Eliza, but I’m still researching his family’s history. I’ve learned so much since then, that I wish
I could share with him! I still do
Mosey/Carriveau genealogy—For the Love of Norman.
Such a sad story. Somehow I'm sure he knows what you have found. At least you have something from Norman's military service. I look forward to reading about it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great story, so sad. I am glad you have been able to continue working on Norman's family history. The story really touched me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather and Betty!
ReplyDeleteVery powerful.....it takes special people to share the stories and keep the memories alive. You are doing important work, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find. Your story of Norman is still being read.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad... He was a grand old man!
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